Device for arranging a bunch of flowers

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a device ( 1 ) for arranging a bunch of flowers, in particular a twisted bunch of flowers. The device ( 1 ) comprises a top and a bottom grating ( 3, 4 ), each having grating openings through which the stems of flowers/twigs can be inserted. The top grating ( 3 ) is made up of two multiplicities of bars ( 5 ), each parallel to one another, at least one of the multiplicity of bars ( 5 ) being able to be moved back and forth in the longitudinal direction thereof in order to be able to break the grating structure for removal of the bunch of flowers formed. The top and bottom gratings ( 3, 4 ) can be turned relative to one another about a vertical axis of rotation to twist the stems of a bunch of flowers placed therein.

The present invention relates to a flower arranging device for arranginga bunch of flowers, comprising:

-   -   a top grating with top grating openings; and    -   a bottom grating, with bottom grating openings, located a        vertical distance below the top grating;        the top grating having a first multiplicity of mutually parallel        bars each having a first bar axis as well as a second        multiplicity of mutually parallel bars each having a second bar        axis,        the first and second bar axes intersecting one another;        the first multiplicity of bars being able to be moved back and        forth in the direction of the first bar axes between, on the one        hand, a grating position intersecting the second bar axes and,        on the other hand, a release position located to the side of the        second bar axes.

A device of this type is disclosed in JP-11/103990. This Japanese PatentApplication discloses a block-shaped frame with a top grating and abottom grating. In the embodiment according to FIG. 2 the top grating ismade up of a first multiplicity of bars and a second multiplicity ofbars. The first and second multiplicity of bars cross one another at anangle of 90°. The second multiplicity of bars is fixed in the frame andthe first multiplicity of bars can be pulled/pushed away in thelongitudinal direction of the bars of said first multiplicity, afterwhich the top grating is open at one longitudinal end of the secondmultiplicity of bars in order to remove the bunch of flowers. The bottomgrating is a fixed distance below the top grating and is fixed in theframe. According to an English abstract, this flower arranging deviceserves as aid for arranging a bunch of flowers. This flower arrangingdevice is not very practical in use and is completely impractical in usewhen producing bunches/bouquets of flowers having stems which follow asort of twist, so-called wheatsheaf-like bouquets.

The aim of the present invention is to provide a flower arranging devicewith which, in particular, bunches of flowers of a twisted type, that isto say wheatsheaf-like bunches of flowers, can be obtained.

According to the invention the abovementioned aim is achieved in thatthe bottom grating and top grating can be turned relative to one anotherabout a vertical axis of rotation which intersects both gratingsessentially centrally when the gratings are in the position located oneabove the other.

Because the bottom and top gratings can be turned relative to oneanother it is possible to insert the stems of the flowers (which stemsin this application are also understood to be stems without flowers ortwigs) through both gratings to pre-form a bunch (which term in thisapplication also refers to a bouquet) and then to impart awheatsheaf-like or twisted-type character to said bunch by turning thetwo gratings relative to one another. This turning will result in a sortof constriction of the stems at the level of the middle of saidgratings, at the location of which constriction it is then possible toapply binding material in a closed loop around the bunch in order tohold the bunch together. Subsequently, the first multiplicity of barscan be pulled away and the wheatsheaf-like or twisted-type bunch (offlowers) formed can be removed from the flower arranging device.

To facilitate removal of the bunch from the flower arranging device itis advantageous according to the invention if the second multiplicity ofbars can be moved back and forth in the direction of the second bar axesbetween, on the one hand, a grating position that intersects the firstbar axes and, on the other hand, a release position located to the sideof the first bar axes.

In order to facilitate insertion of the stems through both gratings, inparticular the orientation during this insertion, it is highlyadvantageous according to the invention if the vertical distance betweenthe bottom and the top grating is adjustable. By lowering only thebottom grating with this arrangement it is possible to keep the bunchlevel. By moving the bottom grating close to or in contact with thebottom of the top grating before positioning stems in the gratings,orientation of the stems through grating openings in both gratings isappreciably facilitated. When all stems have then been inserted in bothgratings the vertical distance between the bottom and the top gratingcan be adjusted, in particular increased, before turning the gratingsrelative to one another. It should be clear that this mutual verticaladjustability of the gratings can also be used, as a supplement toeasier insertion or completely separately therefrom, to facilitateremoval of the bunch from the gratings; After all, by moving the bottomgrating and top grating apart it is possible to free the bottom gratingfrom the bunch.

With regard to the adjustability of the height of the bottom and the topgrating with respect to one another, it is preferable according to theinvention if the height of the bottom grating is adjustable along theaxis of rotation. The vertical height of the top grating can then belocated in a fixed position.

In order to provide the flowers/stems of a bunch to be formed withadequate lateral support (in the horizontal direction) when the bottomgrating and top grating are in contact with one another or a relativelysmall vertical distance apart, it is preferable according to theinvention if the flower arranging device has a support bracket, with twobracket arms, provided above the top grating, which bracket arms, viewedin projection on the plane of the top grating, essentially embrace thetop grating or at least can be brought into a position embracing the topgrating, viewed in projection in this way.

In order to facilitate removal, from the embracing support bracket, of abunch that has been formed, it is advantageous with this arrangement ifone or both bracket arms are flexible or able to swing in order to beable to move between said embracing position and a non-embracingposition located to the outside.

According to the invention the provision of lateral support to theflowers/stems of a bunch to be formed when the bottom grating and topgrating are in contact with one another or a relatively small verticaldistance apart can, in particular, be improved if the flower arrangingdevice has a support fork provided above the top grating, which supportfork has parallel tines which extend parallel to the top grating, thesupport fork being able to be moved back and forth in the longitudinaldirection of the tines between, on the one hand, a position overlappingthe bottom and/or the top grating and, on the other hand, a releaseposition located to the side of the bottom and/or the top grating. Inthis way the stems/flowers are held in an approximately uprightposition, essentially individually supported, or at least bordered bytwo parallel tines located alongside one another. The support fork will,preferably before mutually turning the bottom and top gratings relativeto one another, be retracted from the overlapping position by movinginto a release position located to the side of the bottom and/or the topgrating.

In this context it is preferable according to the invention if thevertical distance between the support fork and the top grating isadjustable. One advantage of this is, for example, that in the case oflonger stems/taller bunches the support fork can be set higher toprovide better lateral support for the stems/flowers. A furtheradvantage is that the support fork can be lowered when the partially orcompletely finished bunch is lowered. In this context it is particularlyadvantageous according to the invention if the flower arranging deviceis equipped to reduce the vertical distance between the support fork andthe top grating simultaneously with increasing the vertical distancebetween the bottom and the top grating. It will be clear to thoseskilled in the art that this can be achieved in a wide variety ofdiverse ways. It is possible, for example, to link the support fork tothe bottom grating mechanically via a rod assembly so that, assumingthat the top grating is at a fixed height, lowering the bottom gratingwill simultaneously lower the support fork. Such a mechanical couplingis, however, not absolutely essential. It is also possible to provideseparate drives which are controlled by means of a control device toachieve simultaneous movement.

Although this is not absolutely essential, with a view to easily beingable to orient the stems it is advantageous if the number of top gratingopenings is identical to the number of bottom grating openings and/or ifthe bottom and top grating openings are provided in accordance with thesame pattern. With regard to the same pattern it is pointed out thatthis relates to the mutual arrangement of the grating openings and hasnothing to do with the number or the size of the grating openings. Itis, for example, conceivable that the bottom grating is smaller than thetop grating but that the gratings have an identical number of gratingopenings which are positioned in accordance with an identical pattern.It is also conceivable that the bottom grating is larger than the topgrating and that the numbers of grating openings in the two gratings areidentical. Furthermore, it is certainly conceivable that, for example,the top grating has x smaller grating openings per grating of the bottomgrating or vice versa. In this context x can be, for example, 2, 3, 4,5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10. With a view to simple orientation, with thisarrangement it will generally be the case that the top grating hassmaller grating openings and x grating openings per grating opening inthe bottom grating.

The ease of use of the flower arranging device can be increased byconstructing the bottom and the top grating such that they each have acentral grating opening, which central grating openings will then, inparticular, be above one another. This provides the flower arranger witha possibility for working around a central reference stem. The variousfeatures can, for example, be achieved by providing the bottom and thetop grating each with a five-by-five grating.

In order to be able to hold stems, which have been inserted through thetwo gratings, of a bunch to be formed in a fixed inserted positionthrough the two gratings it is advantageous according to the inventionif the bottom grating is provided with support means for stems to holdthese fixed at a specific height. Such support means can, for example,comprise a plate arranged beneath the bottom grating. Such a plate has;however, the disadvantage that the stems then have to be cut to lengthin advance so that they all end up with their bottoms at the same heightand it will be desirable that the crown of the bunch has a regular shapewithin certain limits. In this context it is furthermore preferableaccording to the invention if the support means comprise resistancemeans, such as brushes, leaf springs or sheet parts provided with slits,provided in the grating openings in the bottom grating, or at leastsurrounding the passages of said grating openings, which resistancemeans are able to grip laterally a stem inserted through the gratingopening concerned. In this way it is possible to adjust the crowns ofthe flowers to the desired height when arranging and subsequently, ifnecessary, to trim the bottoms of the stems to the same level when thebunch has been formed. Sheet parts provided with slits, in particularmade of rubbery material, are preferred here. The reason is that by thismeans a good grip can be obtained both with stiff/rigid and withweak/vulnerable stems, whilst damage to, in particular, vulnerable stemsis counteracted.

For the purposes of binding it is preferable according to the inventionif the flower arranging device further comprises binding means equippedto provide, somewhere between said gratings, around a bunch extendingthrough the gratings, a closed loop of binding material running aroundthe bunch. Binding materials which may be mentioned are, for example,elastic, string, tape and very particularly also so-called “tie raps”.However, it is pointed out that it is also possible to use the flowerarranging device next to a conventional binding device and to take theas it were twisted or wheatsheaf-like bunch formed out of the flowerarranging device and then to bind it using a conventional bindingdevice.

According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to the useof a flower arranging device according to the invention for theproduction of a twisted or wheatsheaf-like bunch of flowers.

According to yet a further aspect, the present invention relates to amethod for arranging a bunch of flowers making use of the deviceaccording to the invention, comprising the following steps:

-   -   inserting flower and/or plant stems through grating openings        located one above the other;    -   turning the bottom and top gratings relative to one another;    -   providing a closed loop of binding material running around the        stems of the bunch between the bottom and the top grating,        preferably at the midway point of the vertical distance between        them;    -   moving the first multiplicity of bars of the top grating from        the grating position into the release position and optionally        moving the second multiplicity of bars of the top grating from        the grating position into the release position; and        removing the twisted bunch of flowers formed.

The present invention will be explained in more detail below withreference to an illustrative embodiment shown diagrammatically in thedrawing. In the drawing:

FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic, perspective view of a flower arrangingdevice according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a diagrammatic, perspective view of a detail of the topgrating;

FIG. 3 shows a diagrammatic plan view of the bottom grating of theflower arranging device according to the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a detail view of a grating opening in the bottom grating ofa flower arranging device according to the invention;

FIGS. 5-8 show, diagrammatically, various steps in the use of the flowerarranging device according to the invention, and

FIG. 9 shows a diagrammatic, perspective view of a variant of the flowerarranging device from FIG. 1.

With reference to FIG. 1, the flower arranging device 1 according to theinvention comprises a frame 2 that supports the top grating 3 at a fixedvertical height with respect to the frame and further comprises a bottomgrating 4. The top grating 3 is made up of a first multiplicity, in thiscase seven, bars 5 which run parallel to one another and are fixed to acommon support, which is not visible in FIG. 1, which support can bemoved back and forth in accordance with arrow 7 in the longitudinaldirection of the bar axes of the bars 5 by means of a button 6. The topgrating 3 furthermore comprises a second multiplicity, in this caseseven, of mutually parallel bars 8, which are fixed to a common support9 which can be moved back and forth in the direction of double-headedarrow 11 by means of a button 10.

The bar axes of the bars 5 and 7 intersect, for example at an angle thatdoes not equal 90°. The reason for this is that this makes a morecompact construction of the flower arranging device possible. However,completely within the scope of the invention, the bars 5 and 7 can alsovery well intersect at an angle of 90°.

FIG. 2 shows, diagrammatically, a view of the top grating, where thesecond multiplicity of bars 8 have been placed in a so-called releaseposition, in which said bars 8 do not intersect the bar axes of the bars5 or are located beyond the range of the bar axes of the bars 5 of thefirst multiplicity of bars. In FIG. 2 the first multiplicity of bars isshown in the so-called grating position and can also be brought [lacuna]the release position by moving the button 6. As will be clear, thesecond multiplicity of bars 8 can be moved from the release positioninto a grating position by moving the button 10 in the direction opposedto that of arrow 11 in FIG. 2. When both multiplicities of bars 5 and 8are in the grating position these bars 5 and 8 together define gratingopenings 12.

With reference to FIG. 3, the bottom grating 4 in this case consists ofa disc with grating openings 13 made therein. The grating openings 13are each filled with a rubbery, flexible sheet 14 in which across-shaped cut 15 has been provided. The cross-shaped cut 15 makes itpossible for a stem of a flower or twig to be inserted through the sheet14, the four quadrants then each forming a lip 16 that is able to bendaside downwards, as is illustrated by broken lines in FIG. 4, in whichfigure a stem 17 is also indicated by means of broken lines.

The disc 4 can be turned (see arrows in FIGS. (sic) 1 and 3) about therotary shaft 19 by means of a handle 18. This rotation is preferablylimited by two angle stops (indicated diagrammatically by 60 and 61 inFIG. 1). The rotary shaft 19 is furthermore of telescopic construction;see FIG. 1. The telescopic construction of the rotary shaft 19 makes itpossible to position the grating 4 just below or even in contact withthe grating 3. In this way the insertion of stems, in particular theorienting of the stems, through, successively, the grating openings 12in the top grating 3 and the grating openings 13 in the bottom grating 4is appreciably facilitated. So as nevertheless to provide the stems withadequate support during this operation, a support bracket 20 isprovided.

The support bracket 20, the height of which is adjustable along a rod21, is mounted above the top grating 3. The support bracket 20 is madeup of two angled arms 22 which, viewed in projection on the plane of thetop grating 3, as it were embrace this top grating 3. The stems are thenable to bear on the support arms 22. To facilitate removal of a bunchthat has been formed from the support bracket 20 it is preferable if atleast one and preferably both bracket arms 22 are able to swing outwardsin accordance with arrow 23. If the bottom grating has been moved awaybefore twisting the top grating, the arms 22 of the support bracket willbe folded back about hinge 65 before twisting to prevent bending andpossible snapping of the stems. Swinging outwards can be achieved bymaking the support arms 22 flexible, but can equally well be achieved bymounting the support arms 22 on hinges.

With reference to FIGS. 5-8, the method to be adopted with the deviceaccording to the invention will be discussed stepwise below.

If this has not already been carried out, the first step will be tobring the flower arranging device according to the invention into thestarting position. In the starting position the bars 5 and 8 of the topgrating 3 are in their so-called grating position and the bottom grating4 has been raised by means of the telescopic rotary shaft 19 to a shortvertical distance L1 away from the top grating. Preferably, each gratingopening 14 in the bottom grating is vertically below a grating opening12 in the top grating.

In a subsequent step, the second step, the stems 17 of the flowers areinserted one by one, or optionally in pairs, through, successively, thegrating openings 12 in the top grating and the grating openings 13 inthe bottom grating 4. During this operation it is possible for one ormore stems to be provided per grating opening in each case and it isalso possible not to fill all grating openings with one or more stems.To make it possible for an inexperienced flower arranger to form apretty bunch of high quality, it is additionally advantageous accordingto the invention if the grating openings in the bottom and/or the topgrating, preferably the grating openings 13 in the bottom grating 4, areprovided with a code, for example a colour code. Each code thenrepresents a specific type of flower. Moreover, by this means it ispossible to make a large number of uniform bunches, which as far aspossible are identical, one after the other. When the gratings have beenfilled, or at least sufficiently filled, with stems for a bunch to beformed, the bottom grating 4 will be lowered into the position shown inFIG. 6. It is pointed out that it is also very readily conceivable toinsert the stems 17 through both gratings when the two gratings are inthe position in which they have been placed apart by a distance L2 asshown in FIG. 6. However, the orienting of the stems will then besomewhat less easy.

In a subsequent step the support bracket 20, if present, will preferablyfirst be opened or the bracket arms swung aside before the gratings areturned relative to one another.

In a subsequent step, see FIG. 7, the gratings 3 and 4 are turnedrelative to one another about the shaft 19. This turning is effectedthrough an angle determined by adjustable stops 60, 61, which determinedangle will be dependent on the type of bunch as well as the distance L2between the bottom and the top grating 4 and 3, respectively. Atwisted-type bunch, which is also referred to as a wheatsheaf-likebunch, is obtained in this way.

A loop of binding material 31 is then placed around the stems 17 at thelocation of the constriction 30 (FIGS. (sic) 7 and 8). The constriction30 will be located approximately midway between the gratings 3 and 4. Itis pointed out that it is possible, although less practical, firstcompletely to remove the as it were twisted bunch from the flowerarranging device 1 and only then to bind it with a loop of bindingmaterial 31.

In a finishing step it is then possible, if this has not already beencarried out, to apply a loop of binding material 31 at the location ofthe constriction 30 to hold the bunch in its twisted/wheatsheaf-likeposition. It is also possible to trim the bottoms of the stems 17 to thesame height, if desired. This trimming can optionally already be done inthe flower arranging device according to the invention. For this purposethe flower arranging device can be provided with cutting means mountedthereon.

From the ergonomic standpoint and with a view to a clear view of thework, it is preferable if the flower arranging device according to theinvention is set up in a such a way that the flower arranger looksobliquely downwards onto the crown of the bunch. The corollary of thisis that the top grating 3 will be arranged approximately level with theflower arranger's stomach.

For stable support of the stems, in particular after turning thegratings relative to one another, it is advantageous if the cornerpoints of the diamond-shaped grating openings 12 in the top grating 3are so oriented that there are two opposing corner points which face inopposing tangential directions with respect to the rotary shaft 19.

FIG. 9 shows a variant of FIG. 1. The same references and arrows havebeen used for, respectively, the same components and movements. Thevariant according to FIG. 9 differs from that according to FIG. 1 inrespect of the support means. The support bracket 20, 22 in FIG. 1 hasbeen replaced by a support fork 80 in FIG. 9. The support fork 80consists of a base 81 to which a multiplicity of mutually parallel tines82 are fixed. The tines 82 extend essentially parallel to the top 3 andthe bottom 4 grating. The base 81 of the fork 80 is fixed to a verticalpin 21. This vertical pin 21 can be raised and lowered in the verticaldirection, by means of means which are not shown, to be able to adjustthe vertical height of the fork 80 with respect to the bottom and/or thetop grating. The pin 21 can be moved back and forth in the horizontaldirection via the slot 83 to enable the fork 80 to be moved between aposition overlapping the bottom and/or the top grating and a positionlocated completely to the side of the bottom and/or the top grating.When arranging, in particular positioning, the stems/flowers, the fork80 will initially be in a high position to provide support for thestems/flowers. To prevent the stems/flowers becoming trapped in thetines 82 of the fork 80 when the bottom grating 4 is lowered vertically,it is highly advantageous if the fork 80 is then also lowered. So thatthe lateral support of the flowers/stems is properly guaranteed duringthe lowering, it is preferable if the fork 80 moves downwardssimultaneously with the bottom grating 4. After the fork 80 and thebottom grating 4 have moved downwards, the fork 80 will be retractedtowards the rear in the direction of arrow 84.

1-19. (cancelled)
 20. A flower arranging device for arranging a bunch offlowers, comprising: a top grating having top grating openings; and abottom grating, having bottom grating openings located a verticaldistance below the top grating, wherein the top grating includes a firstmultiplicity of mutually parallel bars each having a first bar axis aswell as a second multiplicity of mutually parallel bars each having asecond bar axis, wherein the first and second bar axes intersect oneanother, wherein the first multiplicity of bars are configured to bemoved back and forth in the direction of the first bar axes between agrating position intersecting the second bar axes and a release positionlocated to the side of the second bar axes, wherein the bottom gratingand top grating are configured to be turned relative to one anotherabout a vertical axis of rotation which intersects said two gratingsessentially vertically when the gratings are positioned one above theother.
 21. The flower arranging device according to claim 20, whereinthe extent to which the gratings can be turned is limited by angle stopsand wherein at least one of said angle stops is adjustable.
 22. Theflower arranging device according to claim 20, wherein the secondmultiplicity of bars are configured to be moved back and forth in thedirection of the second bar axes between a grating position thatintersects the first bar axes and a release position located to the sideof the first bar axes.
 23. The flower arranging device according toclaim 20, wherein the vertical distance between the bottom and the topgrating is adjustable.
 24. The flower arranging device according toclaim 22, wherein the height of the bottom grating is adjustable alongthe axis of rotation.
 25. The flower arranging device according to claim24, wherein the height is limited by slide stops, wherein at least oneof said slide stops is adjustable.
 26. The flower arranging deviceaccording to claim 20, further comprising a support bracket having twobracket arms above the top grating, wherein the two bracket armsessentially embrace the top grating, thereby causing the bracket arms tobe in an embracing position.
 27. The flower arranging device accordingto claim 26, wherein at least one of the bracket arms is configured tomove between said embracing position and a non-embracing position. 28.The flower arranging device according to claim 20, further comprising asupport fork above the top grating, wherein the support fork includesparallel tines which extend parallel to the top grating, wherein thesupport fork is configured to move back and forth in the longitudinaldirection of the tines between a position overlapping one of the bottomand the top grating and a release position located to the side of one ofthe bottom and the top grating.
 29. The flower arranging deviceaccording to claim 28, wherein the vertical distance between the supportfork and the top grating is adjustable.
 30. The flower arranging deviceaccording to claim 29, wherein the flower arranging device is configuredto reduce the vertical distance between the support fork and the topgrating simultaneously while increasing the vertical distance betweenthe bottom and the top grating.
 31. The flower arranging deviceaccording to claim 20, wherein the number of top grating openings isequal to the number of bottom grating openings.
 32. The flower arrangingdevice according to claim 31, wherein the bottom and top gratingopenings include a same pattern.
 33. The flower arranging deviceaccording to claim 20, wherein the bottom grating is provided withsupport means for flower stems, wherein the support means hold theflower stems at a fixed specific height.
 34. The flower arranging deviceaccording to claim 33, wherein the support means comprise resistancemeans, selected from one of brushes, leaf springs, or sheet partsprovided with slits, wherein the resistance means are provided in one ofthe grating openings in the bottom grating and at least surrounding thepassages of said grating openings, whereby the resistance means areconfigured to laterally grip a stem inserted through the gratingopening.
 35. The flower arranging device according to claim 34, furthercomprising binding means equipped to provide a closed loop of bindingmaterial running around the bunch of flowers extending through thegratings.
 36. A method for arranging a bunch of flowers, the methodcomprising the steps of: providing a top grating having top gratingopenings; providing a bottom grating having bottom grating openingslocated a vertical distance below the top grating, wherein the topgrating includes a first multiplicity of mutually parallel bars eachhaving a first bar axis as well as a second multiplicity of mutuallyparallel bars each having a second bar axis, wherein the first andsecond bar axes intersect one another, wherein the first multiplicity ofbars are configured to be moved back and forth in the direction of thefirst bar axes between a grating position intersecting the second baraxes and a release position located to the side of the second bar axes,wherein the bottom grating and top grating are configured to be turnedrelative to one another about a vertical axis of rotation whichintersects said two gratings essentially vertically when the gratingsare positioned one above the other; inserting one of flower and plantstems through the grating openings located one above the other; turningthe bottom and top gratings relative to one another; providing a closedloop of binding material running around the stems of the bunch offlowers between the bottom and the top grating; moving the firstmultiplicity of bars of the top grating from the grating position intothe release position and optionally moving the second multiplicity ofbars of the top grating from the grating position into the releaseposition; and removing the twisted bunch of flowers formed.
 37. Themethod according to claim 36, whereby the insertion step is carried outwith a relatively small grating spacing and the relatively small gratingspacing is increased to a relatively large grating spacing before theturning step.